The paper describes the challenges in achieving accurate, sign-off level simulations of high-performance image sensors. Forza Silicon supplies customized advanced mixed-signal IC and image sensor designs. Forza Silicon uses the Analog FastSPICE™ (AFS) Platform from Berkeley Design Automation for circuit verification and sign-off validation of CMOS image sensors. The simulation methodology developed by Forza Silicon with the AFS Platform uses a hierarchy of models for the image sensor blocks. The complexity of the model is reduced at higher levels of the hierarchy, while still achieving maximum accuracy of the global interactions between blocks.

“With the ability to tailor our model complexity for a desired simulation, we gain the advantage of rapid, accurate validation while keeping simulation time and resources manageable,” said Dr. Daniel Van Blerkom. “Forza Silicon and BDA are honored to contribute to the TSMC OIP Ecosystem Forum in the area of CMOS image sensors and share our advancements in efficient and accurate circuit verification and validation.”

Berkeley Design Automation, Inc. is the recognized leader in nanometer circuit verification. The company combines the world’s fastest nanometer circuit verification platform, Analog FastSPICE, with exceptional application expertise to uniquely address nanometer circuit design challenges. Berkeley Design Automation was recognized as one of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America by revenue in 2011 and 2012 by Deloitte. The company is privately held and backed by Woodside Fund, Bessemer Venture Partners, Panasonic Corp., NTT Corp., IT-Farm, and MUFJ Capital. For more information, visit www.berkeley-da.com.